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Arts Patron

Susan Reams, Perrysburg

Nominated By: Arts Commission of Greater Toledo

Ohioans see the evidence of Susan Reams’ legacy and her commitment to the arts every single day on our streets and in our parks. The architect of Toledo’s 1%-for-Art program, Ream’s innovative leadership was the driving force behind the passage of the ordinance through City Council that initiated Toledo’s program in 1977. Toledo was the first city east of the Mississippi River to implement such a program, which required one percent of the budget for capital improvements to be expended on public art. Today, Toledo’s Art in Public Places collection is comprised of more than 50 sculptures and Reams continues to participate actively on design review boards for new acquisitions as a member of the Art in Public Places committee. In the early ’90s, she took her expertise and commitment statewide when she chaired the Ohio Arts Council’s Percent for Art committee and successfully advocated for a one percent dedication for arts on state-funded building projects. In 1985 Reams initiated the Toledo Alight campaign to light the bridges over the Maumee River in downtown Toledo. She also was instrumental in the restoration and reopening of the historic Valentine Theatre. She has served on the Board of the Toledo Symphony, COSI/Toledo, the Country Garden Club of Perrysburg and the Ohio Arts Council, assuming leadership roles in all. From artwork in parks and public buildings to her willingness to take on the more mundane tasks of leadership of numerous arts organizations the cultural life of the city of Toledo and the state of Ohio will forever reflect the impact of Susan Reams’ vision.

Susan Reams video tribute (7:35 minutes)